1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 - Paul's Approach To Ministry In Thessalonica

¹ For yourselves have known, brethren, our entrance in unto you, that it did not become vain, ² but having both suffered before, and having been injuriously treated (as ye have known) in Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the good news of God in much conflict, ³ for our exhortation is not out of deceit, nor out of uncleanness, nor in guile, ⁴ but as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the good news, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, who is proving our hearts, ⁵ for at no time did we come with speech of flattery, (as ye have known,) nor in a pretext for covetousness, (God is witness!) ⁶ nor seeking of men glory, neither from you nor from others, being able to be burdensome, as Christ's apostles. ⁷ But we became gentle in your midst, as a nurse may cherish her own children, ⁸ so being desirous of you, we are well-pleased to impart to you not only the good news of God, but also our own souls, because beloved ye have become to us, ⁹ for ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail, for, night and day working not to be a burden upon any of you, we did preach to you the good news of God; ¹⁰ ye are witnesses -- God also -- how kindly and righteously, and blamelessly to you who believe we became, ¹¹ even as ye have known, how each one of you, as a father his own children, we are exhorting you, and comforting, and testifying, ¹² for your walking worthily of God, who is calling you to His own reign and glory.